From experiencing the highs and challenges of the recruiting process to playing professionally in Ireland, Sydney Stephens knows firsthand what it takes to find the right collegiate and athletic fit. At OPSM, our collegiate advisors aren’t just mentors; they’ve stood in the same shoes, faced similar challenges, and learned how to adapt when plans change.
In this feature, we highlight Sydney’s journey through NCAA programs, her experience transferring to follow her growth, and her current roles balancing professional play while guiding athletes as a collegiate advisor.
What inspired you to become a collegiate advisor?
I personally had some ups and downs with my own recruiting process when I was in high school. I ultimately ended up at the University of Illinois and loved my experience. I want to help other young women learn about themselves and learn to trust their intuition. By being a part of this process, the ultimate goal would be for young athletes to have a collegiate soccer experience that fulfills their future aspirations.
What is your history in collegiate sports and/or at the professional level?
I played club soccer at St. Louis Scott Gallagher in the Elite Girls National League. I was committed to play at the University of Georgia during covid. After my freshmen year I transferred to the University of Illinois where I stayed for two extra years of eligibility. I was able to get my undergraduate degree in education and my masters degree in sports management. Recently I finished my collegiate career and am currently playing in the top division in Ireland on Sligo Rovers.
What was your recruiting journey as a player like?
I was recruited before the rule changed so I actually committed when I was a freshman in high school. Throughout the process I leaned on my coaches and support system to make a final decision. This can be such a fun and emotional process so I’m thankful my people encouraged me to take my time. Their advice and support allowed me to find out more about myself and make a decision that felt true to me at the time. As I grew throughout high school and my first year in college, I changed so much as a human and changed my goals. I then had to learn that change is a good thing which led me to transfer and grow even more. Illinois was my home for five years but I know what it can take to be in the process before finding that feeling so I’m confident I can guide others in their own processes.
What is your process when trying to find a school that fits an athlete?
My process starts with finding out exactly what kind of athlete I’m working with. What a player’s goals and aspirations are as well as their personality outside of soccer. I want to work with the person as a whole instead of just a soccer player because when you can find a place that satisfies an entire person, then you can really make an impact on someone’s experience at college. Secondly, there are so many different factors that go into making a decision on where to play. I am fully committed to combing through every single aspect of that decision for a player until there are no stones left unturned.
What does a day in the life of a collegiate advisor look like?
Living in Ireland gives me a pretty cool backdrop to do this work. I get to wake up here and focus on playing for my team. My 9-5 so to speak is learning about the game, fulfilling my goals and dreams as a player and networking so that my 5-9 can be focused on guiding others to do the same. This is a huge passion of mine and I want to keep myself readily available for the athletes I work with. That includes connecting with both the player and schools on a consistent basis so I can always come prepared with information to continue moving the needle a little bit further in each process.
What is one moment of your career that you are proud of?
I am most proud of my decision to transfer. I think that experience I had really embodies my passion for the game to put myself in the best position possible to be a better player. It led me to some of the most successful years playing I’ve ever had and also led me to some of my best friends and important mentors in life.
Having navigated the recruiting process herself — including transferring schools and adjusting goals along the way — Sydney understands how personal and evolving the journey can be. She leverages that experience to guide athletes holistically, helping them find environments where they can thrive both on the field and in life. As part of the OPSM collegiate advising team, she is committed to supporting players with insight, honesty, and personalized guidance.Athletes and families interested in working with Sydney can learn more and get started by connecting with OPSM’s collegiate advising team here.